In the days following Christmas, Swedish radio will feature a diverse lineup of eight individuals who each bring unique perspectives to their Winter Talks. Among the featured speakers are various figures from different fields, including artist Lisa Ekdahl, linguist Fredrik Lindström, author Ann-Helén Laestadius, and taste expert Mischa Billing. One of the notable speakers is Jan Eliasson, a diplomat and former Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. Having hosted Summer Talks three times in the past, Eliasson will present his first Winter Talk. He views this opportunity as a privilege and aims to address the theme of ”the power and magic of words.”
Eliasson expresses concern about the current state of discourse, indicating that people are becoming careless with language and often blur the line between facts and alternative facts. He strives to describe his worldview with precision, identifying himself as a ”worried optimist.” However, he acknowledges that there are moments when he leans towards pessimism, yet he refuses to succumb to despair. By exploring this theme, he hopes to encourage listeners to cherish the significance of words and their impact on society, especially in light of rising global challenges.
Another prominent speaker, Alexander Mahmoud, a prize-winning photographer, will engage listeners through a talk centered on blueberries. Mahmoud found it an obvious choice to participate in the Winter Talks, despite feeling a mix of excitement and fatigue from the research process. In collaboration with his colleagues from Dagens Nyheter, Mahmoud has investigated the difficult conditions faced by berry pickers in Sweden. His upcoming talk will be intertwined with personal stories and fieldwork, as he attempts to hold key players accountable for the working conditions that these migrant workers endure.
To take a deeper look into the issues at hand, Mahmoud traveled back to Thailand to uncover the aftermath of his previous reporting. He describes the experience of crafting the narrative from the back of a pickup truck while traversing northeastern Thailand, which speaks to the authenticity of his approach. He likens the blueberry, initially a simple fruit, to a complex symbol encompassing themes of migration, labor, suffering, and racism. This powerful metaphor underlines the multifaceted challenges surrounding the labor market, particularly as it pertains to marginalized communities.
The schedule for the Winter in P1 series includes a remarkable array of speakers and topics. The daily lineup features Fredrik Lindström discussing the importance of play in human intelligence on December 25, followed by Lisa Ekdahl sharing insights about finding innovation amidst chaos on December 26. Each speaker provides a unique angle, culminating in themes such as shame in Laestadius’s talk, the significance of hope and resilience in Tomas Sjödin’s session, and the intricate flavors of melancholy presented by taste expert Mischa Billing on December 31.
As the series progresses into the new year, physicist Bodil Jönsson will reflect on an impending ”knowledge eclipse,” culminating the diverse conversations that the Winter Talks aim to foster. Each talk embodies a blend of personal experiences, societal reflections, and expert insights, which together create a rich tapestry of thought-provoking discussions. The format allows for intimate engagement with pressing contemporary issues, making it a significant event in Sweden’s cultural calendar and inviting listeners to contemplate their perspectives amidst a changing world.
